A law school application can take months of planning, but one missed registration deadline can bring that effort to a halt.
Many aspiring law students focus on study schedules, practice tests, and application essays while overlooking one of the most important parts of the process: registering for the LSAT on time.
The testing cycle follows a strict schedule, and late registration is rarely forgiven.
Here, I have covered the LSAT registration deadlines so you can plan with confidence.
LSAT Exam: An Overview
Registration for the LSAT is handled entirely by LSAC, the Law School Admission Council.
The LSAT, or Law School Admission Test, is a standardized exam used by many law schools in the United States and Canada as part of the admissions process.
It is designed to measure skills that are important for law school, including critical thinking, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning.
The multiple-choice LSAT has four 35-minute sections: 2 scored Logical Reasoning sections, 1 scored Reading Comprehension section, and 1 unscored section used to test future questions.
Test takers also complete LSAT Argumentative Writing separately, and this writing sample is not scored.
The exam includes a 10-minute break between the second and third sections. LSAT scores range from 120 to 180.
LSAT Registration Deadlines and Test Dates for 2026-2027
Planning your LSAT schedule starts with knowing all the key dates.
Below is the complete official calendar of all LSAT test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates for the 2026-2027 testing year, sourced directly from LSAC:
1. LSAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for 2026
The 2026 testing cycle includes two major administrations before the full 2026-2027 cycle begins.
A major change to note: starting in August 2026, all tests will be administered in person at Prometric testing centers, ending the remote format used since 2020.
June 2026 is the final remote at-home LSAT administration.
Plan accordingly and register well in advance to secure your preferred slot.
Test Date | Primary Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
June 2026 | June 3–6, 2026 | April 21, 2026 | June 24, 2026 |
August 2026 | August 5–8, 2026 | June 25, 2026 | August 26, 2026 |
September 2026 | September 9–12, 2026 | July 28, 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
October 2026 | October 7–10, 2026 | August 27, 2026 | October 28, 2026 |
November 2026 | November 11–14, 2026 | October 1, 2026 | December 2, 2026 |
Registration for the 2026-2027 cycle opened in mid-May 2026, so spots are now available to book. Do not wait until the last week; popular test centers fill up fast.
2. LSAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for 2027
All 2027 administrations are delivered in person at Prometric testing centers under LSAC’s updated testing format. Review the full schedule below and mark your registration deadline today.
Test Date | Primary Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
January 2027 | January 13–16, 2027 | December 1, 2026 | February 3, 2027 |
February 2027 | February 12–13, 2027 | December 29, 2026 | March 3, 2027 |
April 2027 | April 8–10, 2027 | February 25, 2027 | April 28, 2027 |
June 2027 | June 9–12, 2027 | April 29, 2027 | June 30, 2027 |
3. International Test Dates (2026-2027)
With four strong test windows in 2027, you have every opportunity to pick a date that works perfectly for your application strategy.
Test Date | Primary Test Dates | Registration Deadline | Score Release |
|---|---|---|---|
June 2026 (Intl) | June 5, 2026 | April 21, 2026 | June 24, 2026 |
October 2026 (Intl) | October 9–10, 2026 | August 27, 2026 | October 28, 2026 |
January 2027 (Intl) | January 15–16, 2027 | December 1, 2026 | February 3, 2027 |
April 2027 (Intl) | April 9–10, 2027 | February 25, 2027 | April 28, 2027 |
June 2027 (Intl) | June 11–12, 2027 | April 29, 2027 | June 30, 2027 |
International test takers should note that international LSAT dates for October, January, April, and June are typically offered alongside the U.S./Canada dates.
Important Notes:
- All dates are listed in Eastern Time, and all receipt deadlines are by 11:59 p.m. ET.
- LSAC eliminated late registration in 2018, so there is no backdoor sign-up after the deadline passes.
- LSAT registration requires signing up approximately 6 weeks before the test date. You can register online through your LSAC.org account or over the phone
Scores usually land about three weeks after your test date, so plan your next steps around that window. Check the Law School Admission Council website often, since exact dates can shift.
How to Register for the LSAT?
Follow these steps to lock in your LSAT seat before registration closes. The process takes less than 30 minutes if you have your details ready.
- Create and verify your LSAC account: Go to LSAC.org, sign up, and confirm your email before doing anything else.
- Select your preferred test date and format: Review the 2026–2027 test calendar and pick a date that fits your prep timeline.
- Choose between in-person and online proctored testing: based on your comfort level, location, and the test centers available near you.
- Complete payment and confirm your registration: Pay the base fee and save your confirmation number for your records.
- Download your admission ticket and test-day checklist: from your LSAC account at least one week before your test date.
Once you complete these steps, your registration is confirmed. Review your test day checklist carefully so nothing catches you off guard on exam day.
LSAT Registration Fees for 2026-2027
Before you register, review all fees to avoid surprises. Costs vary depending on when you register, if you qualify for a waiver, and how many schools you send scores to.
Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
Base Registration Fee | $215 | Standard fee for all test takers |
Late Registration Fee | $100 (added) | Charged after the regular deadline passes |
Fee Waiver | $0 | Available for qualifying low-income applicants via LSAC |
Cancellation Fee | $175 | Applies if you cancel after registration closes |
Rescheduling Fee | $100 | Charged when switching to a different test date |
Score Reporting Fee | $45 per school | Each law school report sent beyond free reports |
Note: Fees are based on recent LSAC schedules and may be updated for 2026–2027. Always confirm current amounts on LSAC.org.
If fees are a barrier, apply for the LSAC fee waiver early; it can cover registration and score-reporting costs for eligible test-takers.
LSAT Test Centers and Location Options for 2026-2027
Finding the right test center is key to meeting your registration deadlines. LSAC lists all approved locations through your online account. Search by city or zip code to find nearby options.
Test centers are available across all U.S. states and in major international regions, including Canada, Europe, and Asia. Seats fill fast, so register early.
If your preferred center is full, choose the online proctored format or pick a backup location in a nearby city.
Always confirm your center details after registering and save your admission ticket well in advance.
LSAT Accommodations and Deadline Requirements
LSAC provides testing accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities or medical conditions. Before applying, check the LSAT eligibility requirements to confirm you can sit for the test:
- Qualifying conditions: Physical, learning, and psychological disabilities may all qualify, since any condition affecting standard test performance counts.
- Available accommodations: Extended time, extra breaks, separate rooms, screen readers, and large print, tailored to your documented needs.
- Application process: Submit your request through your LSAC account along with documentation from a licensed professional
- Application deadline: Apply several weeks before your test date, since late requests are rarely approved.
- Denied requests: A denial can be appealed directly to LSAC and does not remove you from your test date.
Securing your accommodations early removes unnecessary stress and ensures you can perform at your best under the conditions that work for you on LSAT test day.
How Many Times Can You Take the LSAT?
LSAC allows you to take the LSAT up to three times in a single testing year, 5 times within 5 years, and seven times total over your lifetime.
Most law schools see all your scores but consider the highest one. Taking the test two to three times is generally acceptable if your score improves.
Canceling a score still counts as an attempt, so cancel only when necessary.
The score preview policy lets you view your score before deciding whether to keep or cancel it. This gives you more control without wasting an attempt unnecessarily.
In-Person vs. Online LSAT: What to Know Before Registering
Before you register, choose your test format carefully. Your choice affects your LSAT registration deadlines, technical prep, and test day experience. Use this table to quickly compare the two options.
Factor | In-Person LSAT | Online Proctored LSAT |
|---|---|---|
Availability | Selected test centers on fixed dates | Available for most test dates from home |
Registration Deadline Impact | Standard deadlines apply | The same deadline format must be chosen at registration |
Technical Requirements | None; the center provides equipment | Stable internet, webcam, mic, and approved browser required |
Technical Issues During Test | Staff assist on-site immediately | Contact LSAC support; the test may be paused or rescheduled |
Law School Preference | No preference, both formats accepted equally | No preference, scores are treated identically |
If you test online, run LSAC’s system check well before your exam date to avoid last-minute problems.
Final Thoughts
Missing an LSAT registration deadline does not just push back your test date.
It can delay your whole application by a full cycle, since LSAC does not offer a backdoor sign-up once the window closes.
Look through the dates above, register as soon as your preferred slot opens, and build a study plan around the deadline you choose.
Which test date are you weighing, and what is holding you back from locking it in? Drop a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Reschedule My LSAT After the Registration Deadline?
Yes, but a rescheduling fee applies. You must reschedule before the change deadline. Options become limited closer to your original test date.
How Early Should I Register for the LSAT?
Register as soon as your preferred test date opens. Early registration secures your preferred test center and format before seats fill up completely.
What Happens if I Miss the LSAT Registration Deadline Entirely?
You cannot add yourself to that administration. Your only option is to register for the next available test date, since LSAC eliminated late registration in 2018.
